Unless you are prepared to pay for lots of excursions I wouldn't say that you will find lots to do in the DR.
Most of the hotels are pretty isolated with most of them providing their own entertainment. There are kids clubs in most with organised activities but I'm not sure that a 13 year old would appreciate them, I suppose that would depend on the child and the type of facilities provided by individual hotels.

The DR is nothing like Europe, its not recommended that you drive there unless you have a death wish as they drive like lunatics and the police can be pretty corrupt with tourists and supposed motoring offences.
There are not big flash shopping malls except in the major cities and public transport looks a little scary unless you speak very good Spanish.

What you will find are some fantastic resorts and hotels with everything you could need for a relaxing holiday. The Dominicans are wonderful people if you make the effort to communicate with them. There are also some fabulous excursions but they don't come cheap so best to budget for them before you go or you could find yourselves a little bored.

The new Holiday Village in the Playa Dorada complex looks promising for families with children, the activities provided coupled with a few excursions might give you all plenty to do but if you really want to get out and about every day you might like to consider if the DR is for you or at least do plenty of research on the area you intend to stay.

I'm really not trying to put you off of the DR, I love it there but over the years I have been going the guests with the most complaints are those expecting to have a European type holiday who maybe should have considered parts of Mexico, Barbados or Jamaica.

hi karen,
i too was going to say the holiday village, on reading another forum this hotel is the one for young adults up to 14 i would say. if you want any other info please pm me. if you want to see photos of the resort please pm me with your email address and i will send them to you.
hope this helps
when are you thinking of going

Thank you very much for your replies but after careful consideration I decided against DR and opted for Kenya We can't wait for August

For pristine waters and beaches, Bayahibe, it is a true representation of the caribbean.